Southern Ohio is experiencing a creative renaissance—one handcrafted product at a time.

From hand-poured candles and Appalachian herbal remedies to custom woodwork and vibrant visual art, artisan entrepreneurship is flourishing across the region. At the heart of this movement is the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub, a catalyst for turning passion into purpose and ideas into opportunity.

Igniting the Maker Spirit

This summer, the Ignite Appalachia Maker Market will bring together dozens of local artisans, food trucks, and musicians in a celebration of creativity and community. Hosted by our partners at the ECDI Women’s Business Center of Central Appalachia, the event is more than a market—it's a showcase of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

These makers are not just selling products—they’re telling stories. Stories of heritage, resilience, and innovation. Many of them use locally sourced ingredients and Appalachian themes to create goods that are deeply rooted in place and culture.

From Pitch to Product

The Kricker Innovation Hub has seen firsthand how artisan businesses can grow from a spark of an idea into thriving ventures. Through the Ignite Portsmouth Pitch Competition, local entrepreneurs like Everlee Chic and Roots of Recovery Herbs have taken center stage, sharing their visions and gaining the support they need to scale.

These stories are not outliers—they’re part of a growing wave of makers who are redefining what it means to build a business in Southern Ohio.

A Hub for Growth

As the region’s center for entrepreneurship, the Kricker Innovation Hub offers workshops, mentorship, and resources that help artisans and entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Whether someone is just starting out or looking to expand, the Hub provides a supportive environment where creativity and commerce meet. Our partnership with organizations like the ECDI Women’s Business Center ensures that entrepreneurs have access to the tools and networks they need to succeed.

Why It Matters

Artisan entrepreneurship isn’t just about beautiful products—it’s about economic empowerment, community revitalization, and cultural preservation. It’s about creating opportunities where they’re needed most and building a future that honors the past.

At the Kricker Innovation Hub and ECDI WBC of Central Appalachia at SSU, we believe in the power of local makers to transform Southern Ohio—and we’re here to help them do it.